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LAHORE: The caretaker government of Punjab approved the increase in the salaries and pensions of government employees in the province.
While chairing the 21st meeting of the cabinet, Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi approved the increase in salaries and pensions on the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The salaries of employees from Grade 1 to Grade 16 will be increased by 35 percent, while the salaries of employees from Grade 17 to Grade 22 will be increased by 30 percent. The hike will be based on the existing basic pay of the employees. It was also decided to increase pensions by 17.5 percent for retired employees.
The cabinet also decided to assign duties to ministers in respective divisions during Muharram. The ministers have been instructed to remain in the field in areas facing floods and torrential rainfall.
The meeting decided to provide financial assistance of one million rupees per person to the families of those who lost their lives during heavy snowfall in Murree.
The cabinet approved purchasing two new helicopters for Rescue 1122 which will be used as an air ambulance and another for rescue operations in case of floods or any other emergency.
The cabinet issued directives to recommend sustainable measures to curb sugar smuggling and the movement of essential items from the province.
It also approved releasing R4.4 billion for the irrigation department for necessary expenditures during floods. A special ministerial committee will be constituted to decide and approve the expenses immediately.
CM Mohsin Naqvi said the Punjab government and the military leadership have adopted a coordinated strategy for relief activities in flood-affected areas and maintaining public order during Muharram.
He said the populations in settlements along the Ravi River will be evacuated in view of the threat of flooding. He instructed the evacuation should be ensured before the situation worsens.
